Since then results have improved but are still the worst in the whole of Poole, Bournemouth and Dorset council areas.

Last year’s figure of 31 per cent left the academy in the bottom 50 secondary schools in England.

It has recently been served with a financial notice to improve by the Department for Education.

And a spokesman for the Department told the Echo: “We are working closely with the Trust and the school to seek a new sponsor for St Aldhelm’s Academy.

“To ensure pupils’ education is not disrupted, the current sponsors will remain in place until a new sponsor is found.”

The interim principal at St Aldhelm’s is Monica Cross, who recently worked in the role of Executive Head at Portland’s Aldridge Community Academy Trust.

Announcing her departure, Ms Heron said: “It is with mixed feelings that I have decided to leave St Aldhelm’s and move on to new challenges.

“I’d like to thank all my colleagues, past and present, for the immense amount of work and dedication they have given to the academy.

“The reason I came into education work and the reason I shall continue to work in education is because of young people and in St Aldhelm’s we have seen some of the most cheerful, curious and responsive young people I have ever worked with.”

The academy was launched in 2010 to replace the former Rossmore Community College.
Academies are independent of local authority control and are responsible for hiring and firing their own staff.

Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Nicholas Holtam, said: “I would like to thank Cheryl Heron for her deep personal investment in the academy and the progress under her leadership that the students have made.

“Throughout the second half of the summer term the academy will be led by interim head teacher Monica Cross who brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the role.”

He said an announcement on the future sponsorship of the academy will be made in the “very near future.”

In a statement, school governors said: “We would like to thank Cheryl for the determined and resilient way she has handled the challenges presented by the academy in the first phase of its life.

“Under her leadership the academy has made significant improvements in attitudes to learning, educational attainment and the quality of its resources, not least a new building. We wish her well in her future career.”

Statement from Governors

After four years as Principal of St Aldhelm’s Academy, Cheryl Heron has decided that the time is right for her to leave and move on to new challenges.

We would like to thank Cheryl for the determined and resilient way she has handled the challenges presented by the Academy in the first phase of its life. Under her leadership the Academy has made significant improvements in attitudes to learning, educational attainment and the quality of its resources, not least a new building. We wish her well in her future career.

Cheryl’s last day at work was Monday and it is anticipated that the Academy’s new sponsor(s) should be named by the Department for Education next week.

The Governors and Sponsors have appointed a very experienced Interim Principal, Monica Cross, who will lead the Academy until the new sponsor(s) appoint a permanent Principal.

I'm sure the council/government will give the school a few more millions! Sorry but I said at the time it turned into an academy that it would make no difference! It needs closing and the other schools in the area need enlarging to take the pupils!

I'm sure the council/government will give the school a few more millions! Sorry but I said at the time it turned into an academy that it would make no difference! It needs closing and the other schools in the area need enlarging to take the pupils!Branksome Boy

Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself!

[quote][p][bold]BournemouthMum[/bold] wrote:
Close the place down, it's worse than useless.[/p][/quote]Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself!Tony Trent

As a member of the public I couldnt believe her slapdash approach. Wouldnt meet me and her staff were very very rude too. Hope the school moves forward positively now although it can be concluded they need new admin staff with a better attitude.

I read with interest the above posters remarks about her leaving and look forward to reading the echo investigation.

As a member of the public I couldnt believe her slapdash approach. Wouldnt meet me and her staff were very very rude too. Hope the school moves forward positively now although it can be concluded they need new admin staff with a better attitude.
I read with interest the above posters remarks about her leaving and look forward to reading the echo investigation.Teddy 1

Ooooh this gets interesting, come on Mr Trent tell us what really happened! This woman was supposed to be the schools saviour? Then suddenly she leaves with no notice! Obviously won the lottery? Oh but no she intends to carry on in education but not at the school she was going to turn around!!! I remember you spouting off 4 years ago that we had to give her a chance and then each year since when the results didn't improve much! You can't keep saying give the school a chance! Everytime it changes its name/headteacher it gets given another lump of our taxes! How much more money and how many headteachers/name changes before it gives it's pupils a decent education!

Ooooh this gets interesting, come on Mr Trent tell us what really happened! This woman was supposed to be the schools saviour? Then suddenly she leaves with no notice! Obviously won the lottery? Oh but no she intends to carry on in education but not at the school she was going to turn around!!! I remember you spouting off 4 years ago that we had to give her a chance and then each year since when the results didn't improve much! You can't keep saying give the school a chance! Everytime it changes its name/headteacher it gets given another lump of our taxes! How much more money and how many headteachers/name changes before it gives it's pupils a decent education!Branksome Boy

Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself!

Give it a chance lol...same old same old !
If you were happy with your education and time at this horrid school then you were one of the very few !
But then like any politician and council folk....speak with utter tosh !
The school is a breeding ground for bully's and undesirables from the local area that the teachers have no control ,and they never have done !
Many generations from the same family's have endured misery and failings at this so called school....Many heads have tried , and for a short time ,may even see an improvement ,but it does not last as time and figures tell you.
Time to end it ...and I think yes pull it down ,I bet you will here more than a few cheers !!!

[quote][p][bold]Tony Trent[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BournemouthMum[/bold] wrote:
Close the place down, it's worse than useless.[/p][/quote]Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself![/p][/quote]Give it a chance lol...same old same old !
If you were happy with your education and time at this horrid school then you were one of the very few !
But then like any politician and council folk....speak with utter tosh !
The school is a breeding ground for bully's and undesirables from the local area that the teachers have no control ,and they never have done !
Many generations from the same family's have endured misery and failings at this so called school....Many heads have tried , and for a short time ,may even see an improvement ,but it does not last as time and figures tell you.
Time to end it ...and I think yes pull it down ,I bet you will here more than a few cheers !!!Peroni

Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself!

So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.

[quote][p][bold]Tony Trent[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BournemouthMum[/bold] wrote: Close the place down, it's worse than useless.[/p][/quote]Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself![/p][/quote]So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.kangaroo_joey

I went to another school in Poole in the 60's and Kemp Welch was always classed as the lowest of the low even then.
Or as they say you can cover a turd in glitter but it is still a turd.......

I went to another school in Poole in the 60's and Kemp Welch was always classed as the lowest of the low even then.
Or as they say you can cover a turd in glitter but it is still a turd.......burgerboy

Yes I left Kemp Welch in March 1976. I improved all my GCSE's when joining the RAF shortly afterwards.
.
I wonder what happened to all the teachers of that time I seem to recall
Misters Scott (Maths), Forrester (English), Foster (Maths) Arblaster, (Geography) Potter, Cann, Allen (Woodwork), Jones (Metal work),
Shackleton (Art), Marchant(Art), Pickstock (History).
.
Anubody out there who attended Kemp Welch from that era ??

Yes I left Kemp Welch in March 1976. I improved all my GCSE's when joining the RAF shortly afterwards.
.
I wonder what happened to all the teachers of that time I seem to recall
Misters Scott (Maths), Forrester (English), Foster (Maths) Arblaster, (Geography) Potter, Cann, Allen (Woodwork), Jones (Metal work),
Shackleton (Art), Marchant(Art), Pickstock (History).
.
Anubody out there who attended Kemp Welch from that era ??smhinto

It's a bad school and always has been. I have no doubt there are some decent pupils there who try hard but unfortunately the garbage ruin it for everyone else.

I have lived in Parkstone for over 10 years in a quiet secluded road but have sold up and am moving back to Canford Heath to give my son a better education when he starts school next year. Not everyone is able to do that and I shouldn't have had to.

It's a bad school and always has been. I have no doubt there are some decent pupils there who try hard but unfortunately the garbage ruin it for everyone else.
I have lived in Parkstone for over 10 years in a quiet secluded road but have sold up and am moving back to Canford Heath to give my son a better education when he starts school next year. Not everyone is able to do that and I shouldn't have had to.Victor_Meldrew_Lives!

Is that the same Arblaster that taught at Henry Harbin in the 60's. WE used to call him "Mr h@rdb@st@red".
He stood about 5' nothing, horn rimed glasses and a black suit that was way too big for him,
He looked like an undertaker on day release.............
.

Is that the same Arblaster that taught at Henry Harbin in the 60's. WE used to call him "Mr h@rdb@st@red".
He stood about 5' nothing, horn rimed glasses and a black suit that was way too big for him,
He looked like an undertaker on day release.............
.burgerboy

We are moving out of the catchment area for this school, as there is no way my son will be attending it. Drastic may be especially when you consider my son is only 3.5 years old and doesn't even start Infant school until 2015!! Proactive and forward thinking in my view, as the school has been no good for40+ years and isn't likely to change, no matter how many name changes/headteachers there are.

We are moving out of the catchment area for this school, as there is no way my son will be attending it. Drastic may be especially when you consider my son is only 3.5 years old and doesn't even start Infant school until 2015!! Proactive and forward thinking in my view, as the school has been no good for40+ years and isn't likely to change, no matter how many name changes/headteachers there are.TigerTim

Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself!

So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.

My eldest Son attended the school and ended up at university. I did not find it "a hell hole" during my years there, and neither did many pupils who went on to lead a fulfilling life. It does have more than it's fair share of less able pupils, and those who's talents weren't passing exams, which is why I supported it's attempts to develop vocational courses. A school has to cater for a wide range of children. The atmosphere at the school has been improving (since oddly enough it's last year as Rossmore), and those that went to the Community Christmas meal will have met some wonderful and tallented young people who inspire confidence for the future. It seems the usual trolls are out to undermine the improvements that have been made, and belittle the young people who attend the school. How shameful! A lot now depends on who becomes the new sponsor of the school, and whether they want to build on what has worked well and add to it with new ideas, or throw the baby out with the bathwater. I believe in the children I represent, believe they deserve the best chances in life, and will continue to support the best possible school on this site despite the minimal influence we have locally thanks to the last two Governments. I hope that the trolls here brush the chips off their shoulders and support the same thing. As I've said above, ignore the hearsay and go find out for themselves, and when they see something they like - give it some support!

[quote][p][bold]kangaroo_joey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Tony Trent[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BournemouthMum[/bold] wrote: Close the place down, it's worse than useless.[/p][/quote]Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself![/p][/quote]So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.[/p][/quote]My eldest Son attended the school and ended up at university. I did not find it "a hell hole" during my years there, and neither did many pupils who went on to lead a fulfilling life. It does have more than it's fair share of less able pupils, and those who's talents weren't passing exams, which is why I supported it's attempts to develop vocational courses. A school has to cater for a wide range of children. The atmosphere at the school has been improving (since oddly enough it's last year as Rossmore), and those that went to the Community Christmas meal will have met some wonderful and tallented young people who inspire confidence for the future. It seems the usual trolls are out to undermine the improvements that have been made, and belittle the young people who attend the school. How shameful! A lot now depends on who becomes the new sponsor of the school, and whether they want to build on what has worked well and add to it with new ideas, or throw the baby out with the bathwater. I believe in the children I represent, believe they deserve the best chances in life, and will continue to support the best possible school on this site despite the minimal influence we have locally thanks to the last two Governments. I hope that the trolls here brush the chips off their shoulders and support the same thing. As I've said above, ignore the hearsay and go find out for themselves, and when they see something they like - give it some support!Tony Trent

Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself!

So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.

On your way there remember to vote UKIP

[quote][p][bold]kangaroo_joey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Tony Trent[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BournemouthMum[/bold] wrote: Close the place down, it's worse than useless.[/p][/quote]Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself![/p][/quote]So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.[/p][/quote]On your way there remember to vote UKIPshaft

Branksome Boy wrote:
Ooooh this gets interesting, come on Mr Trent tell us what really happened! This woman was supposed to be the schools saviour? Then suddenly she leaves with no notice! Obviously won the lottery? Oh but no she intends to carry on in education but not at the school she was going to turn around!!! I remember you spouting off 4 years ago that we had to give her a chance and then each year since when the results didn't improve much! You can't keep saying give the school a chance! Everytime it changes its name/headteacher it gets given another lump of our taxes! How much more money and how many headteachers/name changes before it gives it's pupils a decent education!

As an Academy the local authority and Councillors are not part of what goes on. The one thing I will say is that despite that, we met regularly with, and were kept informed (most of the time!) by the Head. We were aware of the frustrations and the hopes, and the lack of media interest in the good things that were happenning alongside the bad stuff that hit the headlines. As I say on many things, you can either believe in hype, spin and attention grabbing headlines, or you can go in and find out for yourself. I only hope that the open door policy does not dissappear with the Head. Sadly change for changes sake is where hype, spin, and attention grabbing headlines leads. Real solutions are a lot more subtle and less interesting to copy writers.

[quote][p][bold]Branksome Boy[/bold] wrote:
Ooooh this gets interesting, come on Mr Trent tell us what really happened! This woman was supposed to be the schools saviour? Then suddenly she leaves with no notice! Obviously won the lottery? Oh but no she intends to carry on in education but not at the school she was going to turn around!!! I remember you spouting off 4 years ago that we had to give her a chance and then each year since when the results didn't improve much! You can't keep saying give the school a chance! Everytime it changes its name/headteacher it gets given another lump of our taxes! How much more money and how many headteachers/name changes before it gives it's pupils a decent education![/p][/quote]As an Academy the local authority and Councillors are not part of what goes on. The one thing I will say is that despite that, we met regularly with, and were kept informed (most of the time!) by the Head. We were aware of the frustrations and the hopes, and the lack of media interest in the good things that were happenning alongside the bad stuff that hit the headlines. As I say on many things, you can either believe in hype, spin and attention grabbing headlines, or you can go in and find out for yourself. I only hope that the open door policy does not dissappear with the Head. Sadly change for changes sake is where hype, spin, and attention grabbing headlines leads. Real solutions are a lot more subtle and less interesting to copy writers.Tony Trent

Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself!

So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.

My eldest Son attended the school and ended up at university. I did not find it &quot;a hell hole" during my years there, and neither did many pupils who went on to lead a fulfilling life. It does have more than it's fair share of less able pupils, and those who's talents weren't passing exams, which is why I supported it's attempts to develop vocational courses. A school has to cater for a wide range of children. The atmosphere at the school has been improving (since oddly enough it's last year as Rossmore), and those that went to the Community Christmas meal will have met some wonderful and tallented young people who inspire confidence for the future. It seems the usual trolls are out to undermine the improvements that have been made, and belittle the young people who attend the school. How shameful! A lot now depends on who becomes the new sponsor of the school, and whether they want to build on what has worked well and add to it with new ideas, or throw the baby out with the bathwater. I believe in the children I represent, believe they deserve the best chances in life, and will continue to support the best possible school on this site despite the minimal influence we have locally thanks to the last two Governments. I hope that the trolls here brush the chips off their shoulders and support the same thing. As I've said above, ignore the hearsay and go find out for themselves, and when they see something they like - give it some support!

But its not hearsay is it. The facts are there in black and white. 2011 worst school in the country and only last year was the worst school in the whole of Dorset. Now that Mr Trent is not hearsay as you put it. Alot of the comments above are from past pupils that have said themselves how bad this school is so again thats not hearsay. So given the facts which are pretty bad, people are making an informed decision based on facts and ex pupils suggesting this school has always been poor. Yes every school will have its good pupils and thank god this school does. As nice a picture as your trying to paint of the school, if people are willing to move house to get out of the catchment area then that says the school is seriously failing. Lastly as 4/5 comments on here are from ex pupils stating how bad the school was/is, your the only one saying how singing its praises, surley that says something, people tend to listen to the majority

[quote][p][bold]Tony Trent[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]kangaroo_joey[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]Tony Trent[/bold] wrote: [quote][p][bold]BournemouthMum[/bold] wrote: Close the place down, it's worse than useless.[/p][/quote]Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself![/p][/quote]So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.[/p][/quote]My eldest Son attended the school and ended up at university. I did not find it "a hell hole" during my years there, and neither did many pupils who went on to lead a fulfilling life. It does have more than it's fair share of less able pupils, and those who's talents weren't passing exams, which is why I supported it's attempts to develop vocational courses. A school has to cater for a wide range of children. The atmosphere at the school has been improving (since oddly enough it's last year as Rossmore), and those that went to the Community Christmas meal will have met some wonderful and tallented young people who inspire confidence for the future. It seems the usual trolls are out to undermine the improvements that have been made, and belittle the young people who attend the school. How shameful! A lot now depends on who becomes the new sponsor of the school, and whether they want to build on what has worked well and add to it with new ideas, or throw the baby out with the bathwater. I believe in the children I represent, believe they deserve the best chances in life, and will continue to support the best possible school on this site despite the minimal influence we have locally thanks to the last two Governments. I hope that the trolls here brush the chips off their shoulders and support the same thing. As I've said above, ignore the hearsay and go find out for themselves, and when they see something they like - give it some support![/p][/quote]But its not hearsay is it. The facts are there in black and white. 2011 worst school in the country and only last year was the worst school in the whole of Dorset. Now that Mr Trent is not hearsay as you put it. Alot of the comments above are from past pupils that have said themselves how bad this school is so again thats not hearsay. So given the facts which are pretty bad, people are making an informed decision based on facts and ex pupils suggesting this school has always been poor. Yes every school will have its good pupils and thank god this school does. As nice a picture as your trying to paint of the school, if people are willing to move house to get out of the catchment area then that says the school is seriously failing. Lastly as 4/5 comments on here are from ex pupils stating how bad the school was/is, your the only one saying how singing its praises, surley that says something, people tend to listen to the majoritykangaroo_joey

Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself!

So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.

On your way there remember to vote UKIP

The last line sums it all up. All your problems will be sorted out by an Eton educated hereditary peer who's privately educated leader gets brownie points for drinking a pint of beer on camera. Oops! - a bit controversial.

[quote][p][bold]shaft[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]kangaroo_joey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Tony Trent[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BournemouthMum[/bold] wrote: Close the place down, it's worse than useless.[/p][/quote]Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself![/p][/quote]So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.[/p][/quote]On your way there remember to vote UKIP[/p][/quote]The last line sums it all up. All your problems will be sorted out by an Eton educated hereditary peer who's privately educated leader gets brownie points for drinking a pint of beer on camera. Oops! - a bit controversial.Tony Trent

Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself!

So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.

My eldest Son attended the school and ended up at university. I did not find it &quot;a hell hole" during my years there, and neither did many pupils who went on to lead a fulfilling life. It does have more than it's fair share of less able pupils, and those who's talents weren't passing exams, which is why I supported it's attempts to develop vocational courses. A school has to cater for a wide range of children. The atmosphere at the school has been improving (since oddly enough it's last year as Rossmore), and those that went to the Community Christmas meal will have met some wonderful and tallented young people who inspire confidence for the future. It seems the usual trolls are out to undermine the improvements that have been made, and belittle the young people who attend the school. How shameful! A lot now depends on who becomes the new sponsor of the school, and whether they want to build on what has worked well and add to it with new ideas, or throw the baby out with the bathwater. I believe in the children I represent, believe they deserve the best chances in life, and will continue to support the best possible school on this site despite the minimal influence we have locally thanks to the last two Governments. I hope that the trolls here brush the chips off their shoulders and support the same thing. As I've said above, ignore the hearsay and go find out for themselves, and when they see something they like - give it some support!

For every happy educated pupil to leave that hell hole ,must be a hundred that wasn't .
Why is that Trent try's to smooth over what many generations have actually lived ,does he think everyone else are telling lies lol
My father went to Kemp.....eldest and youngest brothers ...
All have horror stories to tell
When it came to my youngest daughter going we tried to reject it ,we were forced, then appealed and final we were talked around by the head mistress ,she was turning the school around etc,so we allowed her to go ( she did not want to go either )
But that headmistress like many other heads went, and the school declined again,many incidents over the years but were always flossed over.
Until she was attacked by a pupil inside the class room with a metal pole.
We were told that the pupil had ' issues' lol ( like many of them) and to let it ride.
We took her out and sent her to private school for the last remaining year.
The school has never changed ,it just has temporary blips of sunlight .
For Trent to say go and and see for yourself lol, most people know what it's like from many many years of direct contact and attendance .
And yes if you got young kids ...I would get out the catchment area ,it's well worth it for the future of your kids.

[quote][p][bold]Tony Trent[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]kangaroo_joey[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Tony Trent[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BournemouthMum[/bold] wrote: Close the place down, it's worse than useless.[/p][/quote]Why not visit it and see how it is now, you might be pleasantly surprised. There is an opportunity this coming Saturday (10 till 4) to check it out at it's Summer Fete. A lot of progress has been made, and it's sad to read such negativity. We all need to support this local school, there are lots of deserving youngsters making progress who do not deserve being done down by adults who have not checked out the place for years. Why bus people half round the Town because of an out of date impression. I am the second of three generations that was educated at the old MKW school. I hope there are many more generations that have the benefit of this local school that has it's challenges, but also has it's successes. Credit is also due to those that delivered an almost completely new school from funding for just a partial rebuild, and delivered a curriculum that is far broader and relevant to a wider range of young people than existed previously. There's more to this school than the sensationalist headlines portray. Go see for yourself![/p][/quote]So if peoples perception of this school is so out of date why is it still one of the worst performing schools in the country and the WORST in Dorset. Quite rightly people dont want to go and see for themselves as the record of the school is that poor you wouldnt want your kids attending unless your happy for them to fail.[/p][/quote]My eldest Son attended the school and ended up at university. I did not find it "a hell hole" during my years there, and neither did many pupils who went on to lead a fulfilling life. It does have more than it's fair share of less able pupils, and those who's talents weren't passing exams, which is why I supported it's attempts to develop vocational courses. A school has to cater for a wide range of children. The atmosphere at the school has been improving (since oddly enough it's last year as Rossmore), and those that went to the Community Christmas meal will have met some wonderful and tallented young people who inspire confidence for the future. It seems the usual trolls are out to undermine the improvements that have been made, and belittle the young people who attend the school. How shameful! A lot now depends on who becomes the new sponsor of the school, and whether they want to build on what has worked well and add to it with new ideas, or throw the baby out with the bathwater. I believe in the children I represent, believe they deserve the best chances in life, and will continue to support the best possible school on this site despite the minimal influence we have locally thanks to the last two Governments. I hope that the trolls here brush the chips off their shoulders and support the same thing. As I've said above, ignore the hearsay and go find out for themselves, and when they see something they like - give it some support![/p][/quote]For every happy educated pupil to leave that hell hole ,must be a hundred that wasn't .
Why is that Trent try's to smooth over what many generations have actually lived ,does he think everyone else are telling lies lol
My father went to Kemp.....eldest and youngest brothers ...
All have horror stories to tell
When it came to my youngest daughter going we tried to reject it ,we were forced, then appealed and final we were talked around by the head mistress ,she was turning the school around etc,so we allowed her to go ( she did not want to go either )
But that headmistress like many other heads went, and the school declined again,many incidents over the years but were always flossed over.
Until she was attacked by a pupil inside the class room with a metal pole.
We were told that the pupil had ' issues' lol ( like many of them) and to let it ride.
We took her out and sent her to private school for the last remaining year.
The school has never changed ,it just has temporary blips of sunlight .
For Trent to say go and and see for yourself lol, most people know what it's like from many many years of direct contact and attendance .
And yes if you got young kids ...I would get out the catchment area ,it's well worth it for the future of your kids.Peroni

It is a tragedy to lose this woman just because she was the victim of fraud. The government has made head teachers take on the role of financial managers when they should do what they do best deliver education. The atmosphere at the school has been transformed by her from scary menacing dump to a safe place to grow for young people. Everyone should have a chance growing up in Poole including children in upper parkstone. A terrible loss for the whole town that these children have lost the best thing that ever happened to education in the Poole.

It is a tragedy to lose this woman just because she was the victim of fraud. The government has made head teachers take on the role of financial managers when they should do what they do best deliver education. The atmosphere at the school has been transformed by her from scary menacing dump to a safe place to grow for young people. Everyone should have a chance growing up in Poole including children in upper parkstone. A terrible loss for the whole town that these children have lost the best thing that ever happened to education in the Poole.ashleycross

I worked with Cheryl for a number of years and I found her to be extremely innovative. She genuinely cared for her staff and motivated us accordingly.

I have visited St. Aldhelm's Academy and was genuinely impressed with the attitude and respect of the pupils. I think too many are quick to pick up on the negatives without even taking the positives into account.

I worked with Cheryl for a number of years and I found her to be extremely innovative. She genuinely cared for her staff and motivated us accordingly.
I have visited St. Aldhelm's Academy and was genuinely impressed with the attitude and respect of the pupils. I think too many are quick to pick up on the negatives without even taking the positives into account.Happy Teacher

The point that has been missed here is that the school is purely a building. It is the majority of the pupils who attend that turn the school into what it is and give it the name that it has. As previous posters have pointed out, you can roll turds in glitter but they are still turds. You get out of education what you put into it, hence one former pupil who became a nuclear physicist. The opportunity is there for anybody who wants to take it, unfortunately most who attend don't want to and they are probably 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th generations of the same ilk.

The point that has been missed here is that the school is purely a building. It is the majority of the pupils who attend that turn the school into what it is and give it the name that it has. As previous posters have pointed out, you can roll turds in glitter but they are still turds. You get out of education what you put into it, hence one former pupil who became a nuclear physicist. The opportunity is there for anybody who wants to take it, unfortunately most who attend don't want to and they are probably 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th generations of the same ilk.Wackerone

A couple of points.
Firstly please don't use this site to abuse the community; most students who have attended this school are good people, but it is a deprived area and you want to solve the problems of the school, then solve the problems of the area.
Secondly, this dismissal is not just about the missing million pounds. If you read the article carefully it implies that there has been financial mismanagement and that the governors and sponsors are going to go too. Both the missing million pounds and the financial problems are a symptom of the unaccountability of academies. They forget that it is OUR money that they are spending. That school did not need an £8 million pound rebuild.
I don't know C.Heron personally but I have gathered that she used the academy as an experiment for her "maverick" ideas - her word. Hence in the new building the classrooms are built for up to 100 students. She needed the kind of guidance which strong governors should provide and in this case don't seem to have done.

A couple of points.
Firstly please don't use this site to abuse the community; most students who have attended this school are good people, but it is a deprived area and you want to solve the problems of the school, then solve the problems of the area.
Secondly, this dismissal is not just about the missing million pounds. If you read the article carefully it implies that there has been financial mismanagement and that the governors and sponsors are going to go too. Both the missing million pounds and the financial problems are a symptom of the unaccountability of academies. They forget that it is OUR money that they are spending. That school did not need an £8 million pound rebuild.
I don't know C.Heron personally but I have gathered that she used the academy as an experiment for her "maverick" ideas - her word. Hence in the new building the classrooms are built for up to 100 students. She needed the kind of guidance which strong governors should provide and in this case don't seem to have done.Odysseus1

The new building work cost over £11 million I as a former parent of St Aldhelms am not surprised at this article. The Headteacher was unreasonable and got pulled up by me on occassions for wrongful exclusions and I won as neither her or her staff adhered to the school policy. What goes around comes around. Its got nothing to do with the kids that attend the school its got to do with management and staff so lets not paint all the pupils that go there with the same brush.

The new building work cost over £11 million I as a former parent of St Aldhelms am not surprised at this article. The Headteacher was unreasonable and got pulled up by me on occassions for wrongful exclusions and I won as neither her or her staff adhered to the school policy. What goes around comes around. Its got nothing to do with the kids that attend the school its got to do with management and staff so lets not paint all the pupils that go there with the same brush.silveira

I expect she leaves with a five or six figure cheque in her pocket. Fair dues.

But the more worrying thing is the change in school sponsors. Heads come and go. Sponsors are for.....well, life.

Poor parents and kids, caught in a maelstrom not of their making.

Perhaps Michael Gove has an 'answer'?

I expect she leaves with a five or six figure cheque in her pocket. Fair dues.
But the more worrying thing is the change in school sponsors. Heads come and go. Sponsors are for.....well, life.
Poor parents and kids, caught in a maelstrom not of their making.
Perhaps Michael Gove has an 'answer'?Yankee1

burgerboy wrote:
I went to another school in Poole in the 60's and Kemp Welch was always classed as the lowest of the low even then.
Or as they say you can cover a turd in glitter but it is still a turd.......

Or you can put lipstick on a pig, and it is still a pig.

Poole is gifted at doing that. And Bournemouth.

Perhaps this school is simply Poole at its 'finest'.

[quote][p][bold]burgerboy[/bold] wrote:
I went to another school in Poole in the 60's and Kemp Welch was always classed as the lowest of the low even then.
Or as they say you can cover a turd in glitter but it is still a turd.......[/p][/quote]Or you can put lipstick on a pig, and it is still a pig.
Poole is gifted at doing that. And Bournemouth.
Perhaps this school is simply Poole at its 'finest'.Yankee1

Instead of being pathetic and slagging off a school, why don't you go there..? Mrs Heron was an amazing Principle, and I'd do anything to have her back. Open day on Saturday, come see for yourself how much of a terrible school we are!!?

Instead of being pathetic and slagging off a school, why don't you go there..? Mrs Heron was an amazing Principle, and I'd do anything to have her back. Open day on Saturday, come see for yourself how much of a terrible school we are!!?Student_StAldhelms

Yankee1 wrote:
I expect she leaves with a five or six figure cheque in her pocket. Fair dues.

But the more worrying thing is the change in school sponsors. Heads come and go. Sponsors are for.....well, life.

Poor parents and kids, caught in a maelstrom not of their making.

Perhaps Michael Gove has an 'answer'?

I'd be interested to know if this lady does actually receive a pay-off. In the school's statement, it said that SHE HAD DECIDED TO LEAVE - if so, why should she get any payment?

On the other hand, if she was asked to leave, she may well have received a payoff (not that I am saying it is right). That would make the statement issued by the school factually incorrect, and a blatant spin.

So, does anybody know the answer? Echo..can you find out?

[quote][p][bold]Yankee1[/bold] wrote:
I expect she leaves with a five or six figure cheque in her pocket. Fair dues.
But the more worrying thing is the change in school sponsors. Heads come and go. Sponsors are for.....well, life.
Poor parents and kids, caught in a maelstrom not of their making.
Perhaps Michael Gove has an 'answer'?[/p][/quote]I'd be interested to know if this lady does actually receive a pay-off. In the school's statement, it said that SHE HAD DECIDED TO LEAVE - if so, why should she get any payment?
On the other hand, if she was asked to leave, she may well have received a payoff (not that I am saying it is right). That would make the statement issued by the school factually incorrect, and a blatant spin.
So, does anybody know the answer? Echo..can you find out?TheRealMedia

Everyone who is saying this school is good is wrong. I am a six former here and I can say that the school is appalling. It has improved since Rossmore but it has been nearly four years and the improvements haven't been good enough. When they decided to make a the school open planned I knew straight away it was a mistake and from day one I was right. We got a tour round the building and before we even entered we were told to keep are voice down because it will echo. Building work was very distracting when I was in year 11 which obviously is the most important year of my education. Luckily I walked away with 4 GCSE's including maths and English. I am leaving six form at the end this academic year mainly because I don't like the course I am taking but another because I think the school will just fall apart without Miss Heron. What she has build over 4 years will just come undone with a new head teacher with new ideas. I wasn't keen on her at first but in the end she did her best but unfortunately came unstuck by fraud. Most of the teachers that taught me over the 4 years are nearly gone. Says a lot about what they think of the school. If you are looking for a school for your child I would suggest looking elsewhere.

Everyone who is saying this school is good is wrong. I am a six former here and I can say that the school is appalling. It has improved since Rossmore but it has been nearly four years and the improvements haven't been good enough. When they decided to make a the school open planned I knew straight away it was a mistake and from day one I was right. We got a tour round the building and before we even entered we were told to keep are voice down because it will echo. Building work was very distracting when I was in year 11 which obviously is the most important year of my education. Luckily I walked away with 4 GCSE's including maths and English. I am leaving six form at the end this academic year mainly because I don't like the course I am taking but another because I think the school will just fall apart without Miss Heron. What she has build over 4 years will just come undone with a new head teacher with new ideas. I wasn't keen on her at first but in the end she did her best but unfortunately came unstuck by fraud. Most of the teachers that taught me over the 4 years are nearly gone. Says a lot about what they think of the school. If you are looking for a school for your child I would suggest looking elsewhere.PlinqHD

PlinqHD wrote:
Everyone who is saying this school is good is wrong. I am a six former here and I can say that the school is appalling. It has improved since Rossmore but it has been nearly four years and the improvements haven't been good enough. When they decided to make a the school open planned I knew straight away it was a mistake and from day one I was right. We got a tour round the building and before we even entered we were told to keep are voice down because it will echo. Building work was very distracting when I was in year 11 which obviously is the most important year of my education. Luckily I walked away with 4 GCSE's including maths and English. I am leaving six form at the end this academic year mainly because I don't like the course I am taking but another because I think the school will just fall apart without Miss Heron. What she has build over 4 years will just come undone with a new head teacher with new ideas. I wasn't keen on her at first but in the end she did her best but unfortunately came unstuck by fraud. Most of the teachers that taught me over the 4 years are nearly gone. Says a lot about what they think of the school. If you are looking for a school for your child I would suggest looking elsewhere.

Whereas I wouldn't, the school is fine, it's the new head teacher that's put everything out of order by enforcing new rules.

[quote][p][bold]PlinqHD[/bold] wrote:
Everyone who is saying this school is good is wrong. I am a six former here and I can say that the school is appalling. It has improved since Rossmore but it has been nearly four years and the improvements haven't been good enough. When they decided to make a the school open planned I knew straight away it was a mistake and from day one I was right. We got a tour round the building and before we even entered we were told to keep are voice down because it will echo. Building work was very distracting when I was in year 11 which obviously is the most important year of my education. Luckily I walked away with 4 GCSE's including maths and English. I am leaving six form at the end this academic year mainly because I don't like the course I am taking but another because I think the school will just fall apart without Miss Heron. What she has build over 4 years will just come undone with a new head teacher with new ideas. I wasn't keen on her at first but in the end she did her best but unfortunately came unstuck by fraud. Most of the teachers that taught me over the 4 years are nearly gone. Says a lot about what they think of the school. If you are looking for a school for your child I would suggest looking elsewhere.[/p][/quote]Whereas I wouldn't, the school is fine, it's the new head teacher that's put everything out of order by enforcing new rules.Student_StAldhelms

Tony Trent wrote:
Even got a vote UKIP on this page. They must be rolling in cash.

UKIP can sort it out.
Its not the young peoples fault, Their school is run so badly,,
If a company is failing,What ever happens to that company, The management have to take the blame for the failour,because of the decisions it made.
You need top class Teachers in that school,with a strong Leader,100% focused on the job at hand.
The parents need to support their children as well .Every thing has to be tightened up ,I could go on and on,
Every child in my world would have the chance to a first class educationb,
St Aldhelms Acadamy is failed by the Parents /Teachers,and the system,

[quote][p][bold]Tony Trent[/bold] wrote:
Even got a vote UKIP on this page. They must be rolling in cash.[/p][/quote]UKIP can sort it out.
Its not the young peoples fault, Their school is run so badly,,
If a company is failing,What ever happens to that company, The management have to take the blame for the failour,because of the decisions it made.
You need top class Teachers in that school,with a strong Leader,100% focused on the job at hand.
The parents need to support their children as well .Every thing has to be tightened up ,I could go on and on,
Every child in my world would have the chance to a first class educationb,
St Aldhelms Acadamy is failed by the Parents /Teachers,and the system,cromwell9

We need the church and the university to explain why they will no longer be the sponsors.
This is no small matter. The DFE does not dismiss sponsors lightly so what have they done or not done?
I thought it was excellent for the University which can be a bit aloof to involve itself in the local community, but now they seem to have been dismissed.
This means the board of governors will have been dismissed too. Both the church and the University should put out a more meaningful statement so we know what is going on.

We need the church and the university to explain why they will no longer be the sponsors.
This is no small matter. The DFE does not dismiss sponsors lightly so what have they done or not done?
I thought it was excellent for the University which can be a bit aloof to involve itself in the local community, but now they seem to have been dismissed.
This means the board of governors will have been dismissed too. Both the church and the University should put out a more meaningful statement so we know what is going on.Odysseus1

As a current student, and a very happy one, it is shocking at some of the comments. The school isn't the best but it's doing well! To much is judged on exam results, the school teaches and supports some of the most difficult students allowing each the opportunities they need to grow and become well rounded individuals. They cater for young people who learn in all different ways not just the typical old school methods. People may not leave with the highest grades but what about the amount that leave with Level 2 qualifications in many different subjects? This gives them a head start into employment and further education, it allows them to focus and achieve the best they can because everyone isn't the same, not everyone can achieve A* and the school recognizes that and helps everyone achieve the best they can! So stop judging and criticizing the school on what you 'think' you know and actually get the facts right and learn about the school.

As a current student, and a very happy one, it is shocking at some of the comments. The school isn't the best but it's doing well! To much is judged on exam results, the school teaches and supports some of the most difficult students allowing each the opportunities they need to grow and become well rounded individuals. They cater for young people who learn in all different ways not just the typical old school methods. People may not leave with the highest grades but what about the amount that leave with Level 2 qualifications in many different subjects? This gives them a head start into employment and further education, it allows them to focus and achieve the best they can because everyone isn't the same, not everyone can achieve A* and the school recognizes that and helps everyone achieve the best they can! So stop judging and criticizing the school on what you 'think' you know and actually get the facts right and learn about the school.PooleStudent

PlinqHD wrote:
Everyone who is saying this school is good is wrong. I am a six former here and I can say that the school is appalling. It has improved since Rossmore but it has been nearly four years and the improvements haven't been good enough. When they decided to make a the school open planned I knew straight away it was a mistake and from day one I was right. We got a tour round the building and before we even entered we were told to keep are voice down because it will echo. Building work was very distracting when I was in year 11 which obviously is the most important year of my education. Luckily I walked away with 4 GCSE's including maths and English. I am leaving six form at the end this academic year mainly because I don't like the course I am taking but another because I think the school will just fall apart without Miss Heron. What she has build over 4 years will just come undone with a new head teacher with new ideas. I wasn't keen on her at first but in the end she did her best but unfortunately came unstuck by fraud. Most of the teachers that taught me over the 4 years are nearly gone. Says a lot about what they think of the school. If you are looking for a school for your child I would suggest looking elsewhere.

Whereas I wouldn't, the school is fine, it's the new head teacher that's put everything out of order by enforcing new rules.

How long have you been there?

[quote][p][bold]Student_StAldhelms[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]PlinqHD[/bold] wrote:
Everyone who is saying this school is good is wrong. I am a six former here and I can say that the school is appalling. It has improved since Rossmore but it has been nearly four years and the improvements haven't been good enough. When they decided to make a the school open planned I knew straight away it was a mistake and from day one I was right. We got a tour round the building and before we even entered we were told to keep are voice down because it will echo. Building work was very distracting when I was in year 11 which obviously is the most important year of my education. Luckily I walked away with 4 GCSE's including maths and English. I am leaving six form at the end this academic year mainly because I don't like the course I am taking but another because I think the school will just fall apart without Miss Heron. What she has build over 4 years will just come undone with a new head teacher with new ideas. I wasn't keen on her at first but in the end she did her best but unfortunately came unstuck by fraud. Most of the teachers that taught me over the 4 years are nearly gone. Says a lot about what they think of the school. If you are looking for a school for your child I would suggest looking elsewhere.[/p][/quote]Whereas I wouldn't, the school is fine, it's the new head teacher that's put everything out of order by enforcing new rules.[/p][/quote]How long have you been there?PlinqHD

PlinqHD wrote:
Everyone who is saying this school is good is wrong. I am a six former here and I can say that the school is appalling. It has improved since Rossmore but it has been nearly four years and the improvements haven't been good enough. When they decided to make a the school open planned I knew straight away it was a mistake and from day one I was right. We got a tour round the building and before we even entered we were told to keep are voice down because it will echo. Building work was very distracting when I was in year 11 which obviously is the most important year of my education. Luckily I walked away with 4 GCSE's including maths and English. I am leaving six form at the end this academic year mainly because I don't like the course I am taking but another because I think the school will just fall apart without Miss Heron. What she has build over 4 years will just come undone with a new head teacher with new ideas. I wasn't keen on her at first but in the end she did her best but unfortunately came unstuck by fraud. Most of the teachers that taught me over the 4 years are nearly gone. Says a lot about what they think of the school. If you are looking for a school for your child I would suggest looking elsewhere.

Whereas I wouldn't, the school is fine, it's the new head teacher that's put everything out of order by enforcing new rules.

How long have you been there?

2 years..

[quote][p][bold]PlinqHD[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]Student_StAldhelms[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]PlinqHD[/bold] wrote:
Everyone who is saying this school is good is wrong. I am a six former here and I can say that the school is appalling. It has improved since Rossmore but it has been nearly four years and the improvements haven't been good enough. When they decided to make a the school open planned I knew straight away it was a mistake and from day one I was right. We got a tour round the building and before we even entered we were told to keep are voice down because it will echo. Building work was very distracting when I was in year 11 which obviously is the most important year of my education. Luckily I walked away with 4 GCSE's including maths and English. I am leaving six form at the end this academic year mainly because I don't like the course I am taking but another because I think the school will just fall apart without Miss Heron. What she has build over 4 years will just come undone with a new head teacher with new ideas. I wasn't keen on her at first but in the end she did her best but unfortunately came unstuck by fraud. Most of the teachers that taught me over the 4 years are nearly gone. Says a lot about what they think of the school. If you are looking for a school for your child I would suggest looking elsewhere.[/p][/quote]Whereas I wouldn't, the school is fine, it's the new head teacher that's put everything out of order by enforcing new rules.[/p][/quote]How long have you been there?[/p][/quote]2 years..Student_StAldhelms

Going back on my previous comment the school is bad but at the end of the day is up to the pupil if he/she wants to co operate and learn. All the same you have to have gone to this school to since the academy started to know what it was like to learn in the conditions I learned in.

Going back on my previous comment the school is bad but at the end of the day is up to the pupil if he/she wants to co operate and learn. All the same you have to have gone to this school to since the academy started to know what it was like to learn in the conditions I learned in.PlinqHD

BIGTONE wrote:
It was only a question of time after past months record.

I bet the kids are well made up......

Please no, not the boys as well.

What??? You can tell the difference?

[quote][p][bold]Sir Beachy Head[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]BIGTONE[/bold] wrote:
It was only a question of time after past months record.
I bet the kids are well made up......[/p][/quote]Please no, not the boys as well.[/p][/quote]What??? You can tell the difference?BIGTONE

Student_StAldhelms wrote:
It's not the school then..? It's down to the pupil!?

Yes it is the pupil at the end of the day but some of the rubbish this school has done is ridiculous. When I was in year 10 I had 14 different English teachers. You can't say that is acceptable. I find the main let down is the organisation of the school.

[quote][p][bold]Student_StAldhelms[/bold] wrote:
It's not the school then..? It's down to the pupil!?[/p][/quote]Yes it is the pupil at the end of the day but some of the rubbish this school has done is ridiculous. When I was in year 10 I had 14 different English teachers. You can't say that is acceptable. I find the main let down is the organisation of the school.PlinqHD

My old school, had its up and downs but never seem to changes. The new building was a waste of tax payers money after they spent a lot doing the whole place up in the early 2000s. It will always be Kemp-Welch weather that is a good thing or bad thing.

RIP Kempy 1938-2001

My old school, had its up and downs but never seem to changes. The new building was a waste of tax payers money after they spent a lot doing the whole place up in the early 2000s. It will always be Kemp-Welch weather that is a good thing or bad thing.
RIP Kempy 1938-2001smoogie

Every school has it problems, but when you criticise the school for low exam pass rates surely it makes sense to look at where the children have come from e.g middle/primary school. If they (the children) do not have the basic reading and writing skills needed to sit an exam how do you expect them to achieve good results. As with the behavioural aspect of some of these previous comments why are the children not getting the discipline/ anger management/social skills at a younger age. It does not all weigh with children they need to want to learn and have respect for others, and we are most impressionable at a younger age and it not up to the education system to teach a child manners and respect that is the task of the parent. Someone posted about 2nd 3rd 4th generations of the "wrong" type of people going there then surely the mould needs to be broken. More help and guidance is needed for these families if they are ever going to break the cycle. Yes I am sticking up for the school, yes I am a former pupil and guess what I achieved 10 GCSE' s A -C grades! My child also currently attends and they are on target for A* grades. There are other schools in the area that were on the top ten list of bad schools and they have been established for decades as well as having a reputation for bullying.

Every school has it problems, but when you criticise the school for low exam pass rates surely it makes sense to look at where the children have come from e.g middle/primary school. If they (the children) do not have the basic reading and writing skills needed to sit an exam how do you expect them to achieve good results. As with the behavioural aspect of some of these previous comments why are the children not getting the discipline/ anger management/social skills at a younger age. It does not all weigh with children they need to want to learn and have respect for others, and we are most impressionable at a younger age and it not up to the education system to teach a child manners and respect that is the task of the parent. Someone posted about 2nd 3rd 4th generations of the "wrong" type of people going there then surely the mould needs to be broken. More help and guidance is needed for these families if they are ever going to break the cycle. Yes I am sticking up for the school, yes I am a former pupil and guess what I achieved 10 GCSE' s A -C grades! My child also currently attends and they are on target for A* grades. There are other schools in the area that were on the top ten list of bad schools and they have been established for decades as well as having a reputation for bullying.Clairy57

I don't envy anyone trying to take on that job, it has always been known as the 'sink' school of the area, whatever its current name.

Maybe the time has finally come to bite the bullet, knock it down and send the children to other schools in Poole? I don't think yet another change of name will make much difference, does anybody?

I don't envy anyone trying to take on that job, it has always been known as the 'sink' school of the area, whatever its current name.
Maybe the time has finally come to bite the bullet, knock it down and send the children to other schools in Poole? I don't think yet another change of name will make much difference, does anybody?nermal

After numerous name changes it just proves you can change the name but not the clientele. It would appear that the head teacher thats just resigned has been the sacrificial lamb. For most decent people living in this catchment area its been the school that they fear that their children will have to go to. What a waste of all the money thats been poured into it. Time for it to go. Feel sorry for the head teacher - went in with a clear positive intention of turning the school around but with the odds were stacked against her from the start,

After numerous name changes it just proves you can change the name but not the clientele. It would appear that the head teacher thats just resigned has been the sacrificial lamb. For most decent people living in this catchment area its been the school that they fear that their children will have to go to. What a waste of all the money thats been poured into it. Time for it to go. Feel sorry for the head teacher - went in with a clear positive intention of turning the school around but with the odds were stacked against her from the start,susie a

I have nothing by praise for Mrs Heron. On the occasions I spoke with her, she was committed and passionate about the school, as were all her staff. I was very sad to hear she has left.
To completely turn a school around and improve grades starts with a fresh intake of pupils, so we will not see the results of her efforts for another couple of years, when they are taking their exams.
There do not seem to be many posts from parents of children currently at this school. So I assume the majority of comments here are based on rumour and stories from the press. Why not do as Mr Trent suggests, and go and see for yourself.
My daughter was one of the original new intake and is happy and doing very well there. She is certainly not limited in terms of opportunities.

And as to the huge lump of tax payers cash that some respondents are predicting will be spent... Absolutely. If more money is needed, then obviously the original funding levels were inadequate. Unless it's a private school, where do people think most of the money comes from? You get what you pay for in this world.
Interesting that the place is described as a 'sink school'. I went to one that was similarly described, the reality was, my school head refused to expel any pupil, but would persevere and do what they could for them. Let no good deed go unpunished eh?

I have nothing by praise for Mrs Heron. On the occasions I spoke with her, she was committed and passionate about the school, as were all her staff. I was very sad to hear she has left.
To completely turn a school around and improve grades starts with a fresh intake of pupils, so we will not see the results of her efforts for another couple of years, when they are taking their exams.
There do not seem to be many posts from parents of children currently at this school. So I assume the majority of comments here are based on rumour and stories from the press. Why not do as Mr Trent suggests, and go and see for yourself.
My daughter was one of the original new intake and is happy and doing very well there. She is certainly not limited in terms of opportunities.
And as to the huge lump of tax payers cash that some respondents are predicting will be spent... Absolutely. If more money is needed, then obviously the original funding levels were inadequate. Unless it's a private school, where do people think most of the money comes from? You get what you pay for in this world.
Interesting that the place is described as a 'sink school'. I went to one that was similarly described, the reality was, my school head refused to expel any pupil, but would persevere and do what they could for them. Let no good deed go unpunished eh?SirHenryRawlinson

Numerous name changes, numerous new heads, multiple turnovers of staff - the one common denominator? The location. Many of the children who attend this school have literacy levels significantly below their actual ages, but the middle 'feeder' schools are not targeted; many of the children come from homes where their ambition is to sit at home in front of their 52" flat-screen tv and claim money off the taxpayers, but the parents are not responsible; many parents refuse to allow their child to face consequences such as exclusion or detentions, but it's the teachers not doing enough who are to blame. The staff at this school work tirelessly, over and above what any 'normal;' school expects and are rewarded with threats and vile language and an attitude of apathy and 'it's not my fault - this school is rubbish'. The vast majority of pupils are hard-working, polite and pleasant children, yet the local community refuses to believe in their abilities or potential. Knocking down the school will cause the students here to be bussed to new institutions where they will be targeted because of where they have come from, left to wallow in failure due to lack of resources, time, money or the outstanding care and commitment the staff at SAA show to every child who attends their Academy. Parents and the media will blame the influx of academy students for any and all problems to arise at their new schools and a vital part of the community will be lost. Think of the children, the staff who cry in frustration when they read negativity about a place they are so desperately trying to do well for and the future generations of Parkstone children who now face the prospect of a 40 minute commute to and from school because of bias and unfair speculation.

Numerous name changes, numerous new heads, multiple turnovers of staff - the one common denominator? The location. Many of the children who attend this school have literacy levels significantly below their actual ages, but the middle 'feeder' schools are not targeted; many of the children come from homes where their ambition is to sit at home in front of their 52" flat-screen tv and claim money off the taxpayers, but the parents are not responsible; many parents refuse to allow their child to face consequences such as exclusion or detentions, but it's the teachers not doing enough who are to blame. The staff at this school work tirelessly, over and above what any 'normal;' school expects and are rewarded with threats and vile language and an attitude of apathy and 'it's not my fault - this school is rubbish'. The vast majority of pupils are hard-working, polite and pleasant children, yet the local community refuses to believe in their abilities or potential. Knocking down the school will cause the students here to be bussed to new institutions where they will be targeted because of where they have come from, left to wallow in failure due to lack of resources, time, money or the outstanding care and commitment the staff at SAA show to every child who attends their Academy. Parents and the media will blame the influx of academy students for any and all problems to arise at their new schools and a vital part of the community will be lost. Think of the children, the staff who cry in frustration when they read negativity about a place they are so desperately trying to do well for and the future generations of Parkstone children who now face the prospect of a 40 minute commute to and from school because of bias and unfair speculation.hangonasecond

At my old school the head got one of the 6th form girls pregnant.
This was a long time ago when such behavior raised a few eyebrows but certainly didn't result in court cases and all the hoo ha that it would today.

At my old school the head got one of the 6th form girls pregnant.
This was a long time ago when such behavior raised a few eyebrows but certainly didn't result in court cases and all the hoo ha that it would today.Sir Beachy Head

send the parents back to school with their kids, get them off their backsides and away from Jeremy Kyle for an afternoon (boo thumbs down). My point is there has to be discipline from either the parents or the school and with the missing money scandal it looks like nobody has the care OR power to do anything. I feel sorry for the students who want to better themselves and the teachers who actually care. my advice to the teachers is look abroad for a teaching job, you will be respected and earn much more money. to the students who want to succeed leave that hole and find a good school

send the parents back to school with their kids, get them off their backsides and away from Jeremy Kyle for an afternoon (boo thumbs down). My point is there has to be discipline from either the parents or the school and with the missing money scandal it looks like nobody has the care OR power to do anything. I feel sorry for the students who want to better themselves and the teachers who actually care. my advice to the teachers is look abroad for a teaching job, you will be respected and earn much more money. to the students who want to succeed leave that hole and find a good schoolASM

I for one don't doubt that a lot of work and effort has been put in.
And a lot of teachers are doing their level best.

But the history of the school in recent years (the past twenty) is not good is it Tony.

I am told first hand by a governor from four years ago 17 supply teachers in one year for Maths. As also the academic performance speaks for itself.

Rebranding the school a "sports college" and focussing on less and less academic work is to my mind pretty much dumbing down. Different children certainly have very different abilities through the arts and science and drama and music and sports but focussing a school curruculum narrowly on less academic subjects is surely reducing standards and aspirations to dumb down and fit in with limited resources, management, and political commitment.

Meaning for starters Poole selection system needs to be abolished and this year. It is uterly out of date. It has for decades driven a hugely divisive two tier education system - for the children and critcally the point that is always lost, for the teachers. The best and most experienced of teachers will always be attracted to the "best" schools when they desperately need to be attracted into teaching in all Poole schools on equal terms.

As also class sizes need reducing. Not 30 plus children in one class - where we were over half a century ago in the 1950s - more like not more than 20 in a class. As you will find of course in all private schools. And needed more teaching assistants, and a dean of students team in each school to deal with discipline.

I am sure the new build is a huge boost but no one super head will ever turn round any school will they if there is not bedrock political support for compehensive (not sponsored - not "conditional") funding and every school in curriculum and staffing of same standards as every other school. Teachers as happy and keen to be engaged to teach at St Aldhelms as at Poole or Parkstone Grammars.

And that could be acheived Tony if as a matter of urgency Poole takes the first step to a colleigate system in Poole - LA or DfE funded (academy) all secondary teachers are engaged in Poole to teach at all secondary schools. And end of the shocking selection system - the selected and the unselected - this year as a matter of urgency.

A school may be the finest in the land (a new build) with the finest facilities and that certainly helps enormously but it will never be a great school will it unless there are first rate long term commited teachers. And for teachers to commit they need to know they have rock solid support - the last thing in my view any Head and team should be worrying about is **funding**. But there we go in our modern market world as driven by market economics every sphere of our lives including schools in the end becomes a cost driven business.

Funding is necessary of course but that is surely not an issue for the teaching staff. The funding needs to be managed by the funding body, the teachers taking care of and running the eduction in the school. Is it really a surprise that a large sum of money was scammed by fraudsters off the school when there is not clear distinction of responsibility between the funding body (bursars and accountants DfE or LA)) and teacher responsible for the lives of the **children** and their education ?

And finally to all those who endlessly press the point that selection is justified as different children have different abilites that is certainly absolutely true but in modern education systems world-wide these multiple abilities are educutionally directed, at different ages and stages of development, by subject streaming within the same school.

Not deeply divisive extremely blunt selection into different schools at age 11 but streaming within each secondary school. That would surely be a very good start in Poole - and catch up with the rest of the modern world.

But then in-so-far as all this infrastructure is not being dealt with I can only say no wonder St Aldhelms looses yet another "head hunted" Head Teacher. The third now in the last six years.

One more casualty in what has become the mass onslaught of all public funded institutions as they are contorted into semi-public semi-private PPIs and no-one from Whitehall to town hall seems to know who is in charge of funding.

Jeff Williams

Well said Cllr Trent speaking up for St Aldhelms.
I for one don't doubt that a lot of work and effort has been put in.
And a lot of teachers are doing their level best.
But the history of the school in recent years (the past twenty) is not good is it Tony.
I am told first hand by a governor from four years ago 17 supply teachers in one year for Maths. As also the academic performance speaks for itself.
Rebranding the school a "sports college" and focussing on less and less academic work is to my mind pretty much dumbing down. Different children certainly have very different abilities through the arts and science and drama and music and sports but focussing a school curruculum narrowly on less academic subjects is surely reducing standards and aspirations to dumb down and fit in with limited resources, management, and political commitment.
Meaning for starters Poole selection system needs to be abolished and this year. It is uterly out of date. It has for decades driven a hugely divisive two tier education system - for the children and critcally the point that is always lost, for the teachers. The best and most experienced of teachers will always be attracted to the "best" schools when they desperately need to be attracted into teaching in all Poole schools on equal terms.
As also class sizes need reducing. Not 30 plus children in one class - where we were over half a century ago in the 1950s - more like not more than 20 in a class. As you will find of course in all private schools. And needed more teaching assistants, and a dean of students team in each school to deal with discipline.
I am sure the new build is a huge boost but no one super head will ever turn round any school will they if there is not bedrock political support for compehensive (not sponsored - not "conditional") funding and every school in curriculum and staffing of same standards as every other school. Teachers as happy and keen to be engaged to teach at St Aldhelms as at Poole or Parkstone Grammars.
And that could be acheived Tony if as a matter of urgency Poole takes the first step to a colleigate system in Poole - LA or DfE funded (academy) all secondary teachers are engaged in Poole to teach at all secondary schools. And end of the shocking selection system - the selected and the unselected - this year as a matter of urgency.
A school may be the finest in the land (a new build) with the finest facilities and that certainly helps enormously but it will never be a great school will it unless there are first rate long term commited teachers. And for teachers to commit they need to know they have rock solid support - the last thing in my view any Head and team should be worrying about is **funding**. But there we go in our modern market world as driven by market economics every sphere of our lives including schools in the end becomes a cost driven business.
Funding is necessary of course but that is surely not an issue for the teaching staff. The funding needs to be managed by the funding body, the teachers taking care of and running the eduction in the school. Is it really a surprise that a large sum of money was scammed by fraudsters off the school when there is not clear distinction of responsibility between the funding body (bursars and accountants DfE or LA)) and teacher responsible for the lives of the **children** and their education ?
And finally to all those who endlessly press the point that selection is justified as different children have different abilites that is certainly absolutely true but in modern education systems world-wide these multiple abilities are educutionally directed, at different ages and stages of development, by subject streaming within the same school.
Not deeply divisive extremely blunt selection into different schools at age 11 but streaming within each secondary school. That would surely be a very good start in Poole - and catch up with the rest of the modern world.
But then in-so-far as all this infrastructure is not being dealt with I can only say no wonder St Aldhelms looses yet another "head hunted" Head Teacher. The third now in the last six years.
One more casualty in what has become the mass onslaught of all public funded institutions as they are contorted into semi-public semi-private PPIs and no-one from Whitehall to town hall seems to know who is in charge of funding.
Jeff WilliamsJeff in Parkstone

What a disgusting attitude!!! I went there from 01 to 06 and I have a professional job with 12 Gcses under my belt and a higher diploma!

Yes the school isn't fantastic but really is oakmead poole high carter they all have bad reputations! There is always a bully, always smokers, always drugs and something to a degree re only school in the area which isn't bad is st Edwards and I wouldn't wanna go there.

Why only circle yourselves with people you don't deem "lower" than you! I had the best time there the teachers were good and I have to say as is the problem now you are looking at 10% of students causing the bad name! You can achieve post leaving there and I still have patients of mine say how did you get here having gone there how offensive! Very few people I went to school with are nasty horrible people!!

You might think your different but all the nasty comments that the students there will read are nasty and degrading to the students who go in and work their backsides off! Nasty spiteful comments to drag people down. Most of those children need people to believe they can do it! All this proves is you all make them not want to be better

What a disgusting attitude!!! I went there from 01 to 06 and I have a professional job with 12 Gcses under my belt and a higher diploma!
Yes the school isn't fantastic but really is oakmead poole high carter they all have bad reputations! There is always a bully, always smokers, always drugs and something to a degree re only school in the area which isn't bad is st Edwards and I wouldn't wanna go there.
Why only circle yourselves with people you don't deem "lower" than you! I had the best time there the teachers were good and I have to say as is the problem now you are looking at 10% of students causing the bad name! You can achieve post leaving there and I still have patients of mine say how did you get here having gone there how offensive! Very few people I went to school with are nasty horrible people!!
You might think your different but all the nasty comments that the students there will read are nasty and degrading to the students who go in and work their backsides off! Nasty spiteful comments to drag people down. Most of those children need people to believe they can do it! All this proves is you all make them not want to be betterKdBillybob

PooleStudent wrote:
As a current student, and a very happy one, it is shocking at some of the comments. The school isn't the best but it's doing well! To much is judged on exam results, the school teaches and supports some of the most difficult students allowing each the opportunities they need to grow and become well rounded individuals. They cater for young people who learn in all different ways not just the typical old school methods. People may not leave with the highest grades but what about the amount that leave with Level 2 qualifications in many different subjects? This gives them a head start into employment and further education, it allows them to focus and achieve the best they can because everyone isn't the same, not everyone can achieve A* and the school recognizes that and helps everyone achieve the best they can! So stop judging and criticizing the school on what you 'think' you know and actually get the facts right and learn about the school.

Well most of the comments that come that are slating the school are coming from ex or even current students, so its not a case of "what you think you know" and most people have been been down and learnt about the school as they went there.

[quote][p][bold]PooleStudent[/bold] wrote:
As a current student, and a very happy one, it is shocking at some of the comments. The school isn't the best but it's doing well! To much is judged on exam results, the school teaches and supports some of the most difficult students allowing each the opportunities they need to grow and become well rounded individuals. They cater for young people who learn in all different ways not just the typical old school methods. People may not leave with the highest grades but what about the amount that leave with Level 2 qualifications in many different subjects? This gives them a head start into employment and further education, it allows them to focus and achieve the best they can because everyone isn't the same, not everyone can achieve A* and the school recognizes that and helps everyone achieve the best they can! So stop judging and criticizing the school on what you 'think' you know and actually get the facts right and learn about the school.[/p][/quote]Well most of the comments that come that are slating the school are coming from ex or even current students, so its not a case of "what you think you know" and most people have been been down and learnt about the school as they went there.kangaroo_joey

I would like to say I have two children at this school one in year 7 and one in year 8 both are very happy and both doing really well at school . the main problem is no one likes telling good news they only tell the bad .all schools have there problems but are school always make s the front page ,not all children should be put in the same bracket I feel sorry for all those children that are doing well at school at this school because they have to read this rubbish

I would like to say I have two children at this school one in year 7 and one in year 8 both are very happy and both doing really well at school . the main problem is no one likes telling good news they only tell the bad .all schools have there problems but are school always make s the front page ,not all children should be put in the same bracket I feel sorry for all those children that are doing well at school at this school because they have to read this rubbishits not that bad

smhinto wrote:
Yes I left Kemp Welch in March 1976. I improved all my GCSE's when joining the RAF shortly afterwards. . I wonder what happened to all the teachers of that time I seem to recall Misters Scott (Maths), Forrester (English), Foster (Maths) Arblaster, (Geography) Potter, Cann, Allen (Woodwork), Jones (Metal work), Shackleton (Art), Marchant(Art), Pickstock (History). . Anubody out there who attended Kemp Welch from that era ??

At least this is better than your average Cherries related posts!!! Just joking lol.

I left in 95, had such a fun time there...I went on to college, then uni and have done ok.

Mr Scott and Mr Jones were both still there when I left. I think Mr Baldock was Head at the time or he might have already left.

Mr MacIntosh was head of PE, also Mr Mulkern was also a PE teacher at the time and a good footballer, played for Poole Town if I remember rightly. Miss Harries was a young teacher at the time that all us lads fancied. Also remember Mr Lewis (Humanities), Mr Ashdown (Science) and my personal favourite Mr Cowley (English), who used to spend most of his lessons telling us about his time in the navy.

It's true that you had to have one eye over your shoulder a lot of the time and there were some pupils you gave a wide berth but they were genuinely good times and I have a lot of happy memories of the place.

[quote][p][bold]smhinto[/bold] wrote:
Yes I left Kemp Welch in March 1976. I improved all my GCSE's when joining the RAF shortly afterwards. . I wonder what happened to all the teachers of that time I seem to recall Misters Scott (Maths), Forrester (English), Foster (Maths) Arblaster, (Geography) Potter, Cann, Allen (Woodwork), Jones (Metal work), Shackleton (Art), Marchant(Art), Pickstock (History). . Anubody out there who attended Kemp Welch from that era ??[/p][/quote]At least this is better than your average Cherries related posts!!! Just joking lol.
I left in 95, had such a fun time there...I went on to college, then uni and have done ok.
Mr Scott and Mr Jones were both still there when I left. I think Mr Baldock was Head at the time or he might have already left.
Mr MacIntosh was head of PE, also Mr Mulkern was also a PE teacher at the time and a good footballer, played for Poole Town if I remember rightly. Miss Harries was a young teacher at the time that all us lads fancied. Also remember Mr Lewis (Humanities), Mr Ashdown (Science) and my personal favourite Mr Cowley (English), who used to spend most of his lessons telling us about his time in the navy.
It's true that you had to have one eye over your shoulder a lot of the time and there were some pupils you gave a wide berth but they were genuinely good times and I have a lot of happy memories of the place.Strawbs_78

Clairy57 wrote:
Every school has it problems, but when you criticise the school for low exam pass rates surely it makes sense to look at where the children have come from e.g middle/primary school. If they (the children) do not have the basic reading and writing skills needed to sit an exam how do you expect them to achieve good results. As with the behavioural aspect of some of these previous comments why are the children not getting the discipline/ anger management/social skills at a younger age. It does not all weigh with children they need to want to learn and have respect for others, and we are most impressionable at a younger age and it not up to the education system to teach a child manners and respect that is the task of the parent. Someone posted about 2nd 3rd 4th generations of the &quot;wrong" type of people going there then surely the mould needs to be broken. More help and guidance is needed for these families if they are ever going to break the cycle. Yes I am sticking up for the school, yes I am a former pupil and guess what I achieved 10 GCSE' s A -C grades! My child also currently attends and they are on target for A* grades. There are other schools in the area that were on the top ten list of bad schools and they have been established for decades as well as having a reputation for bullying.

my son and daughter found it had when they first started at the academy because there primary school let them down with the level of education since being at st aldhelms they are now working well above there grades what about the other bad schools in poole write about those

[quote][p][bold]Clairy57[/bold] wrote:
Every school has it problems, but when you criticise the school for low exam pass rates surely it makes sense to look at where the children have come from e.g middle/primary school. If they (the children) do not have the basic reading and writing skills needed to sit an exam how do you expect them to achieve good results. As with the behavioural aspect of some of these previous comments why are the children not getting the discipline/ anger management/social skills at a younger age. It does not all weigh with children they need to want to learn and have respect for others, and we are most impressionable at a younger age and it not up to the education system to teach a child manners and respect that is the task of the parent. Someone posted about 2nd 3rd 4th generations of the "wrong" type of people going there then surely the mould needs to be broken. More help and guidance is needed for these families if they are ever going to break the cycle. Yes I am sticking up for the school, yes I am a former pupil and guess what I achieved 10 GCSE' s A -C grades! My child also currently attends and they are on target for A* grades. There are other schools in the area that were on the top ten list of bad schools and they have been established for decades as well as having a reputation for bullying.[/p][/quote]my son and daughter found it had when they first started at the academy because there primary school let them down with the level of education since being at st aldhelms they are now working well above there grades what about the other bad schools in poole write about thoseits not that bad

hangonasecond wrote:
Numerous name changes, numerous new heads, multiple turnovers of staff - the one common denominator? The location. Many of the children who attend this school have literacy levels significantly below their actual ages, but the middle 'feeder' schools are not targeted; many of the children come from homes where their ambition is to sit at home in front of their 52&quot; flat-screen tv and claim money off the taxpayers, but the parents are not responsible; many parents refuse to allow their child to face consequences such as exclusion or detentions, but it's the teachers not doing enough who are to blame. The staff at this school work tirelessly, over and above what any 'normal;' school expects and are rewarded with threats and vile language and an attitude of apathy and 'it's not my fault - this school is rubbish'. The vast majority of pupils are hard-working, polite and pleasant children, yet the local community refuses to believe in their abilities or potential. Knocking down the school will cause the students here to be bussed to new institutions where they will be targeted because of where they have come from, left to wallow in failure due to lack of resources, time, money or the outstanding care and commitment the staff at SAA show to every child who attends their Academy. Parents and the media will blame the influx of academy students for any and all problems to arise at their new schools and a vital part of the community will be lost. Think of the children, the staff who cry in frustration when they read negativity about a place they are so desperately trying to do well for and the future generations of Parkstone children who now face the prospect of a 40 minute commute to and from school because of bias and unfair speculation.

I wonder how much tax payers' money is spent on ferrying children to schools out of catchment? Especially the younger ones, their parents have to accompany them in a taxi which then returns them home again - twice a day! And if a child becomes ill during the school day and their parents don't have their own transport, they have to wait, sometimes for hours...

[quote][p][bold]hangonasecond[/bold] wrote:
Numerous name changes, numerous new heads, multiple turnovers of staff - the one common denominator? The location. Many of the children who attend this school have literacy levels significantly below their actual ages, but the middle 'feeder' schools are not targeted; many of the children come from homes where their ambition is to sit at home in front of their 52" flat-screen tv and claim money off the taxpayers, but the parents are not responsible; many parents refuse to allow their child to face consequences such as exclusion or detentions, but it's the teachers not doing enough who are to blame. The staff at this school work tirelessly, over and above what any 'normal;' school expects and are rewarded with threats and vile language and an attitude of apathy and 'it's not my fault - this school is rubbish'. The vast majority of pupils are hard-working, polite and pleasant children, yet the local community refuses to believe in their abilities or potential. Knocking down the school will cause the students here to be bussed to new institutions where they will be targeted because of where they have come from, left to wallow in failure due to lack of resources, time, money or the outstanding care and commitment the staff at SAA show to every child who attends their Academy. Parents and the media will blame the influx of academy students for any and all problems to arise at their new schools and a vital part of the community will be lost. Think of the children, the staff who cry in frustration when they read negativity about a place they are so desperately trying to do well for and the future generations of Parkstone children who now face the prospect of a 40 minute commute to and from school because of bias and unfair speculation.[/p][/quote]I wonder how much tax payers' money is spent on ferrying children to schools out of catchment? Especially the younger ones, their parents have to accompany them in a taxi which then returns them home again - twice a day! And if a child becomes ill during the school day and their parents don't have their own transport, they have to wait, sometimes for hours...grumpyolddear

KdBillybob wrote:
What a disgusting attitude!!! I went there from 01 to 06 and I have a professional job with 12 Gcses under my belt and a higher diploma! Yes the school isn't fantastic but really is oakmead poole high carter they all have bad reputations! There is always a bully, always smokers, always drugs and something to a degree re only school in the area which isn't bad is st Edwards and I wouldn't wanna go there. Why only circle yourselves with people you don't deem &quot;lower" than you! I had the best time there the teachers were good and I have to say as is the problem now you are looking at 10% of students causing the bad name! You can achieve post leaving there and I still have patients of mine say how did you get here having gone there how offensive! Very few people I went to school with are nasty horrible people!! You might think your different but all the nasty comments that the students there will read are nasty and degrading to the students who go in and work their backsides off! Nasty spiteful comments to drag people down. Most of those children need people to believe they can do it! All this proves is you all make them not want to be better

Its not just 10% of the pupils people are focusing on with just 31 of pupils meeting the national benchmark standards of at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C including English and maths, I make that a shortfall of 69% and admittedly no school gets 100% you show me a school in the local area with results as bad as this school? Ever school has is pupils that will acheive great results but it has last years results meant it was the worst in the county and in the bottom 50 of the entire country, not really inspiring with those results is it

[quote][p][bold]KdBillybob[/bold] wrote:
What a disgusting attitude!!! I went there from 01 to 06 and I have a professional job with 12 Gcses under my belt and a higher diploma! Yes the school isn't fantastic but really is oakmead poole high carter they all have bad reputations! There is always a bully, always smokers, always drugs and something to a degree re only school in the area which isn't bad is st Edwards and I wouldn't wanna go there. Why only circle yourselves with people you don't deem "lower" than you! I had the best time there the teachers were good and I have to say as is the problem now you are looking at 10% of students causing the bad name! You can achieve post leaving there and I still have patients of mine say how did you get here having gone there how offensive! Very few people I went to school with are nasty horrible people!! You might think your different but all the nasty comments that the students there will read are nasty and degrading to the students who go in and work their backsides off! Nasty spiteful comments to drag people down. Most of those children need people to believe they can do it! All this proves is you all make them not want to be better[/p][/quote]Its not just 10% of the pupils people are focusing on with just 31 of pupils meeting the national benchmark standards of at least five GCSEs at grades A*-C including English and maths, I make that a shortfall of 69% and admittedly no school gets 100% you show me a school in the local area with results as bad as this school? Ever school has is pupils that will acheive great results but it has last years results meant it was the worst in the county and in the bottom 50 of the entire country, not really inspiring with those results is itkangaroo_joey

Victor_Meldrew_Lives
! wrote:
It's a bad school and always has been. I have no doubt there are some decent pupils there who try hard but unfortunately the garbage ruin it for everyone else.

I have lived in Parkstone for over 10 years in a quiet secluded road but have sold up and am moving back to Canford Heath to give my son a better education when he starts school next year. Not everyone is able to do that and I shouldn't have had to.

That was a mistake ,You should of moved to UPTON .
Your son would of gone to one of the best schools in Dorset,
LYCHET MINSTER.

[quote][p][bold]Victor_Meldrew_Lives
![/bold] wrote:
It's a bad school and always has been. I have no doubt there are some decent pupils there who try hard but unfortunately the garbage ruin it for everyone else.
I have lived in Parkstone for over 10 years in a quiet secluded road but have sold up and am moving back to Canford Heath to give my son a better education when he starts school next year. Not everyone is able to do that and I shouldn't have had to.[/p][/quote]That was a mistake ,You should of moved to UPTON .
Your son would of gone to one of the best schools in Dorset,
LYCHET MINSTER.cromwell9

KdBillybob wrote:
What a disgusting attitude!!! I went there from 01 to 06 and I have a professional job with 12 Gcses under my belt and a higher diploma!

Yes the school isn't fantastic but really is oakmead poole high carter they all have bad reputations! There is always a bully, always smokers, always drugs and something to a degree re only school in the area which isn't bad is st Edwards and I wouldn't wanna go there.

Why only circle yourselves with people you don't deem &quot;lower" than you! I had the best time there the teachers were good and I have to say as is the problem now you are looking at 10% of students causing the bad name! You can achieve post leaving there and I still have patients of mine say how did you get here having gone there how offensive! Very few people I went to school with are nasty horrible people!!

You might think your different but all the nasty comments that the students there will read are nasty and degrading to the students who go in and work their backsides off! Nasty spiteful comments to drag people down. Most of those children need people to believe they can do it! All this proves is you all make them not want to be better

Judging by your post, I would guess that English Lanuage was not one of your 12 GCSE'S.

[quote][p][bold]KdBillybob[/bold] wrote:
What a disgusting attitude!!! I went there from 01 to 06 and I have a professional job with 12 Gcses under my belt and a higher diploma!
Yes the school isn't fantastic but really is oakmead poole high carter they all have bad reputations! There is always a bully, always smokers, always drugs and something to a degree re only school in the area which isn't bad is st Edwards and I wouldn't wanna go there.
Why only circle yourselves with people you don't deem "lower" than you! I had the best time there the teachers were good and I have to say as is the problem now you are looking at 10% of students causing the bad name! You can achieve post leaving there and I still have patients of mine say how did you get here having gone there how offensive! Very few people I went to school with are nasty horrible people!!
You might think your different but all the nasty comments that the students there will read are nasty and degrading to the students who go in and work their backsides off! Nasty spiteful comments to drag people down. Most of those children need people to believe they can do it! All this proves is you all make them not want to be better[/p][/quote]Judging by your post, I would guess that English Lanuage was not one of your 12 GCSE'S.Wackerone

KdBillybob wrote:
What a disgusting attitude!!! I went there from 01 to 06 and I have a professional job with 12 Gcses under my belt and a higher diploma!

Yes the school isn't fantastic but really is oakmead poole high carter they all have bad reputations! There is always a bully, always smokers, always drugs and something to a degree re only school in the area which isn't bad is st Edwards and I wouldn't wanna go there.

Why only circle yourselves with people you don't deem &quot;lower" than you! I had the best time there the teachers were good and I have to say as is the problem now you are looking at 10% of students causing the bad name! You can achieve post leaving there and I still have patients of mine say how did you get here having gone there how offensive! Very few people I went to school with are nasty horrible people!!

You might think your different but all the nasty comments that the students there will read are nasty and degrading to the students who go in and work their backsides off! Nasty spiteful comments to drag people down. Most of those children need people to believe they can do it! All this proves is you all make them not want to be better

Judging by your post, I would guess that English Lanuage was not one of your 12 GCSE'S.

Not my best but they were all A* to C. And typing on a phone never gives you best language

And I don't judge a persons skill by their ability out of the 10% I meant trouble kids. Not all will get A*-C but we don't need a country of just academics. My sister didn't get A*-C but she is one of the most hardworking loyal and realistically a joy to have as an employee who cares that she cannot structure an answer to mould! When we all take our head out sky and realise we need a varying amount of skills rather that paper pushers this school will thrive! If you don't like school move send your kids to "good" schools but I'd have no problem sending mine there!

[quote][p][bold]Wackerone[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]KdBillybob[/bold] wrote:
What a disgusting attitude!!! I went there from 01 to 06 and I have a professional job with 12 Gcses under my belt and a higher diploma!
Yes the school isn't fantastic but really is oakmead poole high carter they all have bad reputations! There is always a bully, always smokers, always drugs and something to a degree re only school in the area which isn't bad is st Edwards and I wouldn't wanna go there.
Why only circle yourselves with people you don't deem "lower" than you! I had the best time there the teachers were good and I have to say as is the problem now you are looking at 10% of students causing the bad name! You can achieve post leaving there and I still have patients of mine say how did you get here having gone there how offensive! Very few people I went to school with are nasty horrible people!!
You might think your different but all the nasty comments that the students there will read are nasty and degrading to the students who go in and work their backsides off! Nasty spiteful comments to drag people down. Most of those children need people to believe they can do it! All this proves is you all make them not want to be better[/p][/quote]Judging by your post, I would guess that English Lanuage was not one of your 12 GCSE'S.[/p][/quote]Not my best but they were all A* to C. And typing on a phone never gives you best language
And I don't judge a persons skill by their ability out of the 10% I meant trouble kids. Not all will get A*-C but we don't need a country of just academics. My sister didn't get A*-C but she is one of the most hardworking loyal and realistically a joy to have as an employee who cares that she cannot structure an answer to mould! When we all take our head out sky and realise we need a varying amount of skills rather that paper pushers this school will thrive! If you don't like school move send your kids to "good" schools but I'd have no problem sending mine there!KdBillybob

Rednax wrote:
About time. What a disgrace to the conurbation. She has brought nothing but bad press to the area with &quot;worst school in the country", and "missing millions" national scandals. Good riddance.

Once again REDNAX and similar commentators bid good riddance to a hard-working and dedicated professional who has devoted her life to educating young people in the most difficult schools in the country and label her efforts as a "disgrace". It must be easy to sit behind the anonymity of a newspaper's comment board and make personally damning statements about people of whose work and careers you know nothing and leave those comments there for ever for all to see without considering the consequences upon the individual who is the target of your ill-informed insults. Ms Herron did not get everything right during her time at the academy but how many of you would, I wonder, be willing, or indeed remotely capably of stepping up to the mark to take on the challenge of leading this (or any) school; particularly with the knowledge that when things do not go well you will be slated by the local press and all the know-alls who anonymously rub salt into fresh wounds. Here's an idea for Rednax and similar commentators; check your facts before posting a comment (preferably from a source more reliable than the Echo) and do not write anything that you would not be prepared to say face-to-face to the person about whom you are writing.

[quote][p][bold]Rednax[/bold] wrote:
About time. What a disgrace to the conurbation. She has brought nothing but bad press to the area with "worst school in the country", and "missing millions" national scandals. Good riddance.[/p][/quote]Once again REDNAX and similar commentators bid good riddance to a hard-working and dedicated professional who has devoted her life to educating young people in the most difficult schools in the country and label her efforts as a "disgrace". It must be easy to sit behind the anonymity of a newspaper's comment board and make personally damning statements about people of whose work and careers you know nothing and leave those comments there for ever for all to see without considering the consequences upon the individual who is the target of your ill-informed insults. Ms Herron did not get everything right during her time at the academy but how many of you would, I wonder, be willing, or indeed remotely capably of stepping up to the mark to take on the challenge of leading this (or any) school; particularly with the knowledge that when things do not go well you will be slated by the local press and all the know-alls who anonymously rub salt into fresh wounds. Here's an idea for Rednax and similar commentators; check your facts before posting a comment (preferably from a source more reliable than the Echo) and do not write anything that you would not be prepared to say face-to-face to the person about whom you are writing.lawprofessor